If you have a basic cinder block retaining wall and you want to spruce it up a bit, you have two options; install new, decorative blocks, or overlay the cinder blocks with a textured concrete finish. If you are concerned about finishing your retaining wall on a budget, the most cost effective method of finishing it is having the concrete overlay finish completed. You can even reduce the cost of that project by doing the prep work on your own. Here, you will learn how to do just that. Supply List Pressure washer – rent one from your local home improvement store if you don’t own one. Concrete primer – check with your concrete contractor to learn exactly what type of primer will be needed. Paint brushes, rollers, and trays Tarps or drop cloths Communicate with the Contractor Before you do anything, including buying the supplies, talk with the contractor that will be resurfacing the cinder block retaining wall. There are different finishing materials that can be used and each requires a specific formula of primer to work with the base coat and finishing concrete. Your contractor will tell you exactly what you need for the project to be completed successfully. Clean the Surface In order for the primer and base coat to adhere to the surface, it must be clean. Use a 45-degree tip on the pressure washer to clean the entire surface from top to bottom. This particular tip will provide enough pressure to clean the surface without causing any damage to it. Keep the nozzle roughly 6-7 inches away from the surface. Let the surface dry for a day or so before continuing to ensure the moisture is out of the pores. Prime the Cinder Blocks Cover the ground with a tarp or drop cloth to protect it from splattering primer. Now that the cinder blocks are clean and dry, it’s time to apply a coat of primer to the entire surface. The primer goes on much like paint on the wall. Use a brush to apply the primer to the edges and areas in which the roller won’t fit. Once the trim work is complete, use the roller to coat the rest of the surface. At this point, get the brush once more and make sure that you have the primer coating every inch of the wall – the smallest missed section could cause the finish to fail. Your cinder block retaining wall is now ready for the textured concrete finish. If you take the time to do a great job prepping the wall and the contractor does his or her job correctly, this finish will last many, many years with minimal maintenance. ...

Do you feel like cleaning your house is a never-ending chore that has you frustrated and exhausted? Keeping a house in tip-top shape certainly shouldn’t be that much of a problem. And, if you do the job by yourself, the burden is even heavier. From setting up a cleaning schedule to the actual cleaning process, here are some ideas that might help you to do the job more quickly and more efficiently. Enlist Help! – How many times have you heard, “It’s just not fair!”? Well, this time you can say those words yourself. It’s simply not fair for you to have to do all the housework by yourself. You’re not the only one who enjoys living in your home and you shouldn’t have to be the only one to make it look nice. Make it a family affair. Schedule a family council where you explain to all your family members that there are going to be some important changes made. Create a sign-up sheet where members of the family can volunteer to do things like dust, polish furniture, and clean tile floors. If people don’t volunteer, just make assignments. Of course, you can make it more pleasant by letting kids work together. In fact, it would be a good idea to pair older siblings with younger ones. Besides getting the job done, memories will be made. If you think it would help, create a point system or another system where kids earn rewards for helping in the house. Establish a Schedule! – Establish a schedule that you can follow every single week. Each person should be in charge of his or her own belongings and his or her own room and bathroom. Be sure to provide several caddies with cleaning supplies in them so they’ll be easily accessible. Mondays – This is the perfect day to get the kitchen ready for use during the rest of the week. While you’re cleaning the kitchen, have the laundry going. After homework is done in the evening, have a folding laundry time while you watch a good show on television as a family. Tuesdays – Dust all the furniture and anything else that is made of wood. In addition, dust knick knacks, including the tops of books, CDs and DVDs. Wednesdays – Use this middle-of-the-week day to spiffy up windows. Thursdays – Sweep and vacuum your floors. Fridays through Sundays – Except to assess last minute clean up duties, your house shouldn’t really need any more deep cleaning. Go Modern! – Make sure you have the best cleaning products and state-of-the-art equipment to maintain a clean house. You’ve heard of central vacuum venting systems but you may think they’re out of your reach financially. It’s just not so. They are affordable and built so well that they’ll last a very long time. The company where you buy your system will install it quickly and will always be available to maintain it. The great part about having a central vacuum venting system is that you won’t have to lug a heavy vacuum cleaner all over the house. You can have outlets in different parts of the house, both upstairs and downstairs. The system will come with different tools for cleaning tile floors, carpets, and even furniture. Talk about something that will help you maintain a clean...

If you have a paved driveway, it can fall victim to cracks and other signs of wear and tear over time. As pavement is exposed to the elements, it can cause it to expand and contract, resulting in some aesthetic issues that may also be a safety hazard if it gets too severe. Here are some things you need to know when it comes to the proper maintenance of your driveway. Apply A Quality Sealant Sealants are designed to help protect your asphalt and keep it from suffering damage caused from too much sun as well as rain and snow. Most new driveways should be fine without a sealant application for at least a few years, but you should apply it when you start to see signs of wear. Without this sealant, your driveway is susceptible to water sinking below the surface. As that water freezes or heats up, the soil under the pavement begins to change in shape and size. This is the main cause of asphalt showing cracks over time. Sealant should be applied to prevent that, otherwise you may have to pay for an entirely new driveway. The sealant should only be applied every two to three years. Preventative Maintenance If your car is leaking oil, it can dissolve the asphalt surface of your driveway. Gasoline and oil spills should be cleaned up immediately whenever possible or else they can seep into the surface and cause it to deteriorate. If you notice cracks in the asphalt, try to get them repaired as soon as you can. The sooner you can patch the cracks, the less chance the driveway will have to become extremely damaged. Signs of extreme damage include the asphalt beginning to wear down to the dirt underneath or if you see buckling. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for weeds or roots that are growing near your driveway. Tree roots can cause very severe problems if they grow up underneath your driveway. When you get the driveway initially, your contractor should look for this issue before they install it to avoid this from happening later on. Keep It Clean The key to maintaining a solid and well-kept asphalt driveway is to keep it clean. If your driveway is starting to show signs of discoloration, simply mix a gallon bucket of warm water with some dish detergent and scrub it down. Hose it off thoroughly and let it dry before any cars ride over it. This simple yet effective thing can not only help to keep your asphalt driveway looking nice, but will also prolong its life. You can also purchase oil stain removers specially made to get rid of pesky marks left behind from oil. With some good maintenance, your driveway should last and look great for many years to come. To learn more, speak with a business like Driveways by Aliston...

There are many ways to heat your home. One of the most popular choices includes a wood stove. For those who tend to be away from home for many hours of the day and prefer a renewable energy source, the wood stove fits these qualifications for a reliable heat source. While there are many advantages to choosing a wood stove over other heating sources, the most daunting part of the process is usually trying to decide what wood stove to purchase. There are numerous models, sizes, and brands to choose from. In an effort to help you make the right decision, here are some things you should consider when shopping for a wood stove. Heating Capacity and Output Your biggest need when purchasing a wood stove is obviously to heat your home in the most efficient way possible. Since every home is a different size, you cannot always go by the brand’s label information dictating what the capacity and output is. In most cases, stove makers will list a broad range of heat output. This is done because the wood stove produces a different amount of heat depending on where the home is located. If you live on the east coast, you will get a different amount of output than you would if you lived on the west coast. Wood stoves come in three different sizes, including large, medium, and small. large stoves usually have a firebox that is over 3 cubic feet, a medium stove has a firebox between 2 and 3 cubic feet, and a small stove contains a firebox that is less than 2 cubic feet. Composition Typically, you will see wood stoves come in either cast iron or welded steel. Fortunately, there is no real difference in the two except for aesthetics. This is where you get to add your personal preference and forgo the specifications. In the past, cast iron stoves were more superior because you could find replaceable parts easier. These days, you can find replaceable parts for both types of stoves. When checking out the higher end of wood stoves, you may find some with soapstone panels. The soapstone is known to help keep the heat inside better, yet it can also make the wood stove slower to respond when you actually turn the stove on. Orientation of the Firebox The shape of the firebox can be just as important as the size of the firebox. An east to west orientation means that you see the sides of the logs when you look into the stove. The problem with this is that you run the risk of having the logs fall against the glass door. Additionally, the firebox is not used efficiently as only half of the volume is actually being used. With a north to south orientation, you are looking at the ends of the logs. This shape of firebox is more efficient because you can utilize the full volume of the stove. Click for more...

Posted by Loretta Smith on Sep 9, 2015 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Tips On Using Spray Foam Insulation For Sculpting And Crafting

Spray foam insulation is a thick foam that that expands up to 100 times in size before becoming hard. It is often used as insulation in buildings as opposed to asbestos or layered foam because it is easier to install. Turns out that spray foam also has a fun alternative. DIY craft lovers use spray foam as a cheap and easy sculpting alternative. Here are several tips on using spray foam as a sculpting material. Make a Cardboard and Paper Pattern Cut a simple pattern for your design out of cardboard. You will cover this pattern with the spray foam and then carve around it. Cut out a second pattern out of paper. Why? When you have your foam covered cardboard pattern, it is sometimes difficult to figure out how deep to cut without cutting into your pattern. Place the paper pattern on top of the spray foam and trace the shape with a pencil. Now you know how far to cut. Fill Holes With More Foam Many sculptors choose to ignore holes or gashes in the sculpted foam and just smooth out the final piece using paper mache. If you don’t want the extra effort to paper mache the piece, you can fill the holes using more foam. Spray just a tiny bit of foam in the holes and let it dry. Use sandpaper to work the foam down so that the sculpture is smooth. This takes more time than cutting the foam, but you’ll end up with a smoother finish and not make more holes. Use Spray Foam as Glue Don’t make a difficult, detailed pattern out of cardboard. Just start simple and make several separate pieces that are easier to sculpt without messing up. Then attach the pieces together using small amounts of spray foam as glue. The spray foam will expand, remember, so don’t use too much and cut down any bits that stick out from the glued area. Use Water to Make the Foam Smoother Right after you finish spraying the foam onto your cardboard pattern, spray some water all over the wet foam. Spray more water after a few hours when the spray has dried some. As crazy as it sounds, a little bit of water will actually help the foam harden faster. The best reason to use water, though, is because it will also help the foam expand and harden smoother. A smooth finished project means you won’t have to mess with paper mache later. Spray foam is so much fun for crafters and sculptors. It’s not just for your home insulation anymore. For spray foam insulation, contact a company such as Steve’s Urethane...

Posted by Loretta Smith on Aug 12, 2015 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Having Construction Done At Your House? How Your Trees Can Be Damaged

Most trees take a very long time to grow, and they are an asset to have in your yard. They provide you with shade in the summer, and the shade can also reduce your air conditioning bill. In the winter, they can shield your house from the snow and wind, which reduces the cost of your heating bill. However, if you are dealing with construction from a remodel or garden project, your trees could be in danger. Below are some of the ways your trees could receive damage from the construction at your house. Wounded Physically As construction trucks drive through your yard, they can cause wounds on the trunks of your trees if the truck even grazes them. Trees can also be hit by equipment as it is being loaded and unloaded from trucks. If your trees are healthy, they can heal themselves from small wounds. If the wounds are larger, however, they may not be able to recover. If you have stressed or very old trees, they will not likely heal themselves, which can allow decay to start in the wound that will eventually spread throughout the tree. If the tree branches are going to be in the way of the trucks, call a tree service to have them pruned so the trucks do not hit the branches. You should not attempt to prune the trees yourself if you are not experienced. Improper pruning will cause branch stubs to decay and die. Soil Compaction As the large trucks drive over the root systems of your trees, it causes the soil to compact. When soil becomes compacted the amount of oxygen that gets to the roots is reduced. When this happens, it can cause slow root growth and limit the amount of water than can make it to the roots. The roots of your trees likely spread out way beyond the tree’s canopy. For this reason, the trucks should drive as far away from the trees as possible. Smother If the construction company piles up dirt and debris over the tree roots, it can cause the roots to smother. This is especially true for trees that have shallow roots because the roots are much closer to the ground’s surface. Designate areas in your yard where the construction company can pile up the dirt and debris so they keep it off your trees. If trees are damaged at the root level, it could take a few years for any damage to show up. Once it does, it is usually too late to save the trees, as by then the roots are likely already dying. For more information, contact a tree service like Capital Tree...

When you run lateral lines from the valves in your sprinkler system, you have to use saddles to connect funny pipe to the lateral lines. You have a few different options for saddles, and each option has its strengths and weaknesses. The Insert T The first option you have for connecting funny pipe to a lateral line is to use an insert T. This really is not a saddle, but it should illustrate the advantages of a saddle. With an insert T, you have to cut your lateral line, slip two clamps on to the pipe so that you have one one either side of the cut you made. With your clamps in place, you insert your T into the pipe then crimp your clamps. This method is effective, but it is also time-consuming and costly. The Saddle T The traditional saddle T consists of a top piece and a bottom piece connected by a pair of plastic nuts and bolts. One one side, the bolt extends through a hole in both the top and bottom, which keeps them together. On the other side, the bolt bits through a hole in the bottom and then slides into a groove in the top. To install the saddle T, you slip the saddle around the pipe, slide the bolt into the groove, then tighten the bolts on either side of the saddle. You then have to use a special punch to make a hole in your lateral line. Saddle T’s are less laborious to work with and install quicker than an insert T. The Quick Option With an insert T, you have to use pipe cutters and clamp crimps. With a saddle T, you have to use a saddle wrench and a saddle punch. A third option does not require tools. Instead, you slip the bottom of the saddle around your sprinkler line, This bottom piece has a ring which fits around the pipe, and a set of threads that extend up from the saddle to allow you to connect the top piece. The top piece has an integrated auger piece which punches a hole in the lateral line. You should screw down the top piece by hand and you are done. If you are looking for a way to speed up your installation jobs, a quick saddle is a good option. The faster your crew is able to complete a job, the less money you spend on labor. Furthermore, the top of a quick saddles clicks into place when it is installed properly, so the potential for installation error is greatly reduced, so you should churn out a more consistent product. Thus, quick saddles are the right choice for a sprinkler installation...

If you have bare windows and a nearly bare bank account, you can feel at a loss as to how to get your windows covered. Whether you want blinds for privacy or thick curtains to keep out the sun, there are ways you can treat your windows to both attractive and cost-effective curtains and blinds. Sheer fabric panels Want thick curtains but don’t want to pay the price for the heavier fabric? Sheer fabric in cotton or linen is usually much cheaper than thicker curtains or blackout shades. If you layer sheer fabric under thinner, more cost-effective curtain material, you can mimic the effects of much pricier thicker linen. Paper accordion shades Achieve cheap window coverage and privacy with paper accordion shades. You can place these shades under sheer curtains or install them alone. The pleated style allows you to move your shades up and down to let in light and scenery as you wish. Vinyl blinds If you admire fancy wooden blinds, you don’t have to limit your window treatment options just because you cannot readily afford them. Wooden blinds can be expensive, but vinyl blinds can offer you the same appeal at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl blinds can be designed to look like they are made of wood to give your windows a unique and homey appearance. Or, you can buy budget vinyl blinds in a variety of colors, from classic white to blue, red, and even black to match your home’s decor best. Window films If you want privacy in certain areas of your home, such as your bathroom or kitchen, but don’t want to have to fuss with curtains or blinds, consider window films instead. These films adhere to your window glass, allowing you to have the privacy you need. You can get window films in a stained or etched glass design for added appeal. These cost-effective window treatments can be found at your local home improvement store. Bamboo shades If you want shades that give you the same privacy as blinds do but want to try something different, consider matchstick bamboo shades. These inexpensive shades are perfect for bedrooms to add style and can be paired with sheer curtains on top. You don’t have to leave your windows bare if you have a small budget. Any of these options are cost-effective and work to help you have the privacy and style you deserve. Whether you want to make your own blackout curtains or go with quirky bamboo shades, you can dress your windows without undressing your wallet. To learn more about budget blinds, contact a company like Blinds 2000 Manufacturing...

Posted by Loretta Smith on Jun 11, 2015 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Four Ways to Keep Squirrels from Stealing Your Tomatoes

Tomatoes may not be squirrels’ favorite foods, but if squirrels are hungry and you have tomatoes in your garden, you can bet they’ll steal them. You may find the unripe ones strewn across your yard after the squirrels take a bite and realize they’re not delicious yet. To ensure there are some tasty tomatoes left for you, follow these tips to keep squirrels away. Plant garlic near your tomatoes. Squirrels do not like the scent of garlic, so it you plant garlic near your tomato plants, they’ll likely stay away. Plus, you’ll have the makings for a delicious tomato salad in the fall. Garlic needs to be planted the fall before you plan on harvesting it. You simply push a clove, pointed side up, about 2 inches into the ground. The plant starts growing in the fall, goes dormant over the winter, and continues growing in the spring. Plant a larger variety of tomatoes. Try planting larger varieties of tomatoes, so squirrels cannot carry them. They might try picking and carrying one or two, but they’ll soon realize the tomatoes are too hard to carry and leave them alone. Big tomato varieties to consider include Aussie, beefsteak, brandywine, and chocolate stripes. Make sure you water and fertilize your tomatoes well throughout the season, so they grow as large as possible. Give the squirrels something more tasty to eat. Feeding the squirrels may seem counter-intuitive, but actually if you provide them with another food source, they’ll probably leave the tomatoes alone. Tomatoes are not squirrels’ favorite food. Leave them some walnuts, sunflower seeds, or acorns, and they’ll probably back off from your ripe fruits. Make sure you feed them only in moderation. Put down too much food, and you’ll just attract more squirrels. A few nuts at the base of the squirrels’ tree each day is plenty. Spray the tomatoes with castile soap. Made from olive oil, castile soap is non-toxic and safe to consume. However, it does not taste good, so when the squirrel bites into the tomato, it will soon spit it out and decide against biting into subsequent tomatoes. Dilute plain, liquid, unscented castile soap with 1 part water, and place it in a spray bottle. Spray your tomatoes regularly. Just remember to rinse them before you eat them. In time, the squirrels will leave the tomatoes alone, and you’ll be able to stop spraying them. Experiment with the methods above, and see which works best for you. With a little patience, you can save your tomato crop without having to harm or shoot the squirrels. If worse comes to worst, talk to a professional like 360 Wildlife Control Squirrel Removal for...

Greenhouses can come in any size, depending on how much you plan to grow. You can have a greenhouse for just one single plant, or a huge greenhouse to house hundreds of your plants. If you don’t have a need for a large greenhouse, you can make a smaller one to house your little garden. Follow the steps below to make three simple and small greenhouses. 2-Liter Bottle Greenhouse Create a greenhouse to house your small plants that you’ve already planted in your garden to protect them from frost, wind and cold. All you need is your plant and an empty 2 liter bottle. Take your 2 liter bottle and cut the bottom off of it. Place the bottle over the top of your plant and press firmly it into your dirt, over the top of your plant. Take the lid off of your bottle, to allow water to get to your plant. Watch your plant grow. Window Box Greenhouse Make a greenhouse out of old windows and a box you can make from extra wood you may have lying around. Create a box out of 1″ x 12″ pieces of wood. Cut the wood to match the size of your windows and make a square. Nail them into place to hold them together and place it on the ground where you want your greenhouse to be. Add your window to the top of your wood box and add a hinge to hold the window to the top of the box. This way you can lift and close them easily. Plant your plants in your wood boxes and watch them grow. Plastic Tote Greenhouse If you have any clear plastic totes laying around, you can use them for a greenhouse. Use a deeper tote though, to allow room for your plants to grow tall. Place your plants inside your totes and keep on a covered porch for extra protection from weather, but still where your plants will get some sun. If you don’t have a covered area to place your clear totes, you can use clear plastic to cover the top of the totes. This is a good greenhouse to use if it’s still too early to plant in the ground. These simple greenhouses are perfect for smaller plants and gardens. For larger gardens, you may want to invest in a larger greenhouse. Contact your local gardening center, such as Slip Tube Shelters & Greenhouses Inc, about greenhouses that may be for sale or that can be built for...

About

Gardening was something that I always found myself enjoying and when I moved into my first condo that didn’t really change even though I no longer had the place for a garden. I spent quite a bit of time looking for efficient ways to garden and finally I found a vertical garden that I could put right in my kitchen. The best part was that it didn’t take up much space and I had fresh herbs and plants at my disposal.